Hampton Roads Transit board approves new fare policy

Public hearings set on proposed transit fare increase

NORFOLK — — The Hampton Roads Transit governing board on Thursday approved a revised fare policy, which paves the way for public hearings on proposed fare increases for transit riders.

The transit system set seven public hearings – three on the Peninsula -- in January to receive comments on the fare hikes, which will be the first since 1999, when the system was formed.

The new policy, an update of one approved in 2008, details the range of ways fares are collected, including passes, and the different fare rates, such as half-fares offered to people with disabilities, seniors and Medicare card-holders. The new policy defines seniors as people who are 65 and older. It also covers new transit services, such as The Tide.

HRT has proposed increasing fares by $.50 for buses, The Tide and ferry service, up from $1.50. Half-price rates would rise from $.75 to $1. The board discussed the requested increase in November after transit staff shared the results of a rate study.

Transit President William Herrell said the system also would look into technology that would allow people to use refillable fare cards or other pass programs in addition to the current fare payment passes and plans, and upgraded ticket vending equipment.

"If there is a bit of value to people, especially if the price is going to go up, we want to make it as convenient as possible," said Virginia Beach Councilman James Wood.

Newport News City Councilwoman Pat Woodbury wanted to make sure the Thursday vote was solely on the policy: "The vote today is not to increase fares."

Woodbury also expressed reservations: "I am voting for this as I understand it now, but when we get the results back from the public hearings, I may not. And if I don't see more frequent service because of the fare increases, I may not."

Before the vote, during a review of October revenues and expenses, transit staff noted that fare box recovery, which is passenger revenue, or fares, divided by expenses, was down. Fares only cover part of the transit agency's expenses.

"We are seeing an increase in costs, and revenues have not kept up," said transit chief financial officer Richard Turner

The vote also gave transit staff permission to set the public hearings. Between Jan. 15 and 29, HRT will hold meetings in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News and Hampton.

The governing board will revisit the fare increase proposal again in February and review the public comments.

In other action, the board approved a contract with ADA Ride, of California, to process paratransit eligibility applications; approved a transit services agreement with Elizabeth River Crossings, Opco, LLC, which increases services on three routes and the ferry; approved the agency's six-year capital improvement plan; and approved the 2014 legislative agenda.